France could possibly recognize a Palestinian state, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Paris, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back at US efforts to renew the two-state peace process.“The recognition of Palestinian statehood is not a taboo for France,” Macron said.
The United States and European countries have mostly held that Palestinian statehood recognition should be granted only once there is a final arrangement for a two-state resolution to the conflict.
Some European countries are now reconsidering that policy, or being more blunt about its vagueness. They have begun using language that speaks to statehood recognition as part of a peace process, including France.
The British Embassy in Israel explained the United Kingdom’s policy this way.
International moves to recognize a Palestinian state
“We must state our clear intention to grant [Palestinians statehood] recognition, including at the United Nations. “That can't come at the start of the process. But it doesn't have to be the very end of the process.
“Our long-standing position has been that we will recognize a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process,” the British Embassy said.
“The UK’s position is that we support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
“We must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future.
“And it needs to be irreversible. This is not entirely in our gift. But Britain and our partners can help by confirming our commitment to a sovereign, viable Palestinian state, and our vision for its composition,” the British Embassy said.